[Food intake pattern in a sample of adults with gallbladder disease (GD)]

In Rosario, Argentina, a 20,5% prevalence rate of Gallbladder Disease (GD) was found in a random sample of adults. The aim of this study was to determine the food consumption pattern of subjects with GD nested in that sample for further comparison with the Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDA). Forty-four subjects were interviewed about the food consumption during the five years before their diagnosis, by applying a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) and a photographic atlas of standardized portions. Age, body mass index (BMI), all consumed nutrients, and total energy intake (kilocalories) were reported as Mean +/- standard deviation. Comparisons according to sex (18 males and 26 females) revealed no significant differences in the variables under analysis. Age and BMI in the overall sample were as follows 63.8 +/- 13.8 years and 28.2 +/- 5.8, respectively. Mean daily consumption of nutrients was as follows: Carbohydrates 295.3 +/- 96.9 g, Protein 131.6 +/- 36.8 g, Fat 128.9 +/- 43 g, Saturated fatty acids 41.9 +/- 18,6 g, Polyunsaturated fatty acids 13.8 +/- 8.7 g, Cholesterol 455.4 +/- 186.8 mg, Sodium 2730 +/- 1552.1 mg, Potassium 2912.8 +/- 1001.4 mg, Calcium 719.3 +/- 403.3 mg, Iron 16 +/- 4.6 mg, Phosphorus 801.6 +/- 320.3 mg, Vitamin A 3121.7 +/- 1811.9 mcg, Vitamin B1 0.80 +/- 0.30 mg, Vitamin B2 1.9 +/- 0.8 mg, Vitamin C 157.6 +/- 114.1 mg, Niacin 6.9 +/- 2.7 mg, Fiber 5.3 +/- 12 g, Coffee 70.7 +/- 104.3 cc (total energy intake 2941 +/- 791.1 Kcal). Subjects with GD have a history of higher intake of fat, saturated fatty acids and cholesterol with consumption of carbohydrates, calcium, niacin and fiber below the recommended quantities.